Matt Hartman wins state FFA talent contest in Fort Worth

Stockdale FFA President Matt Hartman placed first in the Texas FFA Talent Contest held during the 86th annual Texas FFA State Convention in mid-July in Fort Worth. To advance to state, Matt won the district and Area VII titles.

His vocal selections included a rendition of Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This” -- a letter to his family from a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice during war; and “Your Man” by Josh Turner.

According to Stockdale ag teacher Josh Heimann, Matt has applied for the National FFA Talent Competition set for late October in Louisville, Ky. The decision to advance will be announced in August.

Matt sang “The Star Spangled Banner” during the opening of the Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee bull-riding and rodeo events in June.

Locals will have an opportunity to hear Matt sing during a concert for residents and staff at the Stockdale Residence and Rehabilitation Center. He also will sing the national anthem at Stockdale Brahma football games this fall.

Music runs in Matt’s family. His older brother, Rob Brandon Hartman, used to perform with a local band called “Buck Shot.” According to Heimann, “Matt is currently in the process of starting a band ... and is very interested in seeing where his music career will take him.”

When Matt is not performing, he plays baseball for the Stockdale Brahmas and shows pigs in area stock shows.

The son of Rob and Lori Hartman, Matt helps his mother on the family farm -- Hartman Farm. The Hartmans sell produce at the Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio every Saturday.

He also works on Heimann’s Ranch, H-W Show Stock.

An upcoming senior at Stockdale High School, Matt plans to continue his education and attend Tarleton State University to major in business and minor in agri-business.